24/12/2012
Google working on Motorola 'X' phone and tablet
Google is working with recently-acquired Motorola on a flagship smartphone codenamed "X Phone", according to a report.
It would be the first Motorola hardware development to be directed by Google, which bought the handset maker for $12.5bn in May.
The development has hit some hurdles, however, the Wall Street Journal said, in manufacturing and supply-chain management, causing a rethink of some features of the planned device, such as a bendable screen.
The report quoted people saying that Motorola is now working on two fronts: devices that will be sold by carrier partner Verizon Wireless, and on the X Phone.
Motorola plans to enhance the X Phone with its recent acquisition of Viewdle, an imaging and gesture-recognition software developer. The new handset is due out sometime next year, said the report, citing a person familiar with the plans.
Motorola is also expected to work on an "X" tablet after the phone. Google Chief Executive Larry Page is said to have promised a significant marketing budget for the unit, it was claimed..